Category Archives: State Government

Virginia Budget Explodes

Posted on January 8, 2020 by Stephen D. Haner

The interesting thing is not how Virginia’s overall budget has grown 20% in just two years (seen that number reported anywhere else?) What’s interesting is how many interest groups are openly pushing to make it even larger. The $23 billion increase is not … Continue reading →

Posted in State Government | 1 Comment

The Most Progressive Budget in Virginia’s History

Posted on December 21, 2019 by matt ohern

In the introduction to his budget statement released yesterday, Governor Ralph Northam described his proposed 2020-22 budget as “the most progressive in Virginia’s history. If by “progressive” he means “leftist,” with a strong propensity for taxing, spending and wealth redistribution, … Continue reading →

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“Conformity” Tax Reform Debate Should Return for 2020 Session

Posted on December 4, 2019 by matt ohern

Virginia taxpayers will save almost $600 million over two years as a result of the increase in the state standard deduction, a step proposed last year by the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy. That is a fresh estimate released … Continue reading →

Posted in State Government, Taxes | Comments Off on “Conformity” Tax Reform Debate Should Return for 2020 Session

June Primaries Accelerate Virginia’s Leftward Drift

Posted on June 12, 2019 by matt ohern

It’s hard to dissect a battle while the smoke is still clearing, but the June 11 Virginia primaries demonstrated again the state’s continued and steady move away from its conservative past.  It was not a Great Leap Forward for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, State Government | 2 Comments

Northam Wrong On Domestic Violence Bill Veto

Posted on May 30, 2019 by matt ohern

On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines across the country according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. That is 20,000 families suffering from violence at the hands of an abuser. … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime, State Government | 2 Comments